Press Release

One year after Brussels attacks, we are making Europe safer

Strasbourg

, 15.03.2017 - 14:02

One year on from the terrorist attacks in Brussels, the EPP Group remains committed to pushing forward tough measures to help the fight against radical terrorism.

After the attacks in Paris, the EPP Group set out ten priorities to combat terrorism, six of which have been achieved. Further steps towards improving security in the EU nevertheless have to continue. MEPs will debate these steps today at 15.00 hrs. The EPP Group, which initiated the plenary debate on fighting terrorism, demands strict measures against terrorism in order to prevent more victims of deadly attacks in the EU.

Roberta Metsola MEP, EPP Group Spokeswoman in the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, sends a clear message: “One year from the horrifying terrorist attacks in Brussels, we will never forget those victims who lost their lives or were injured. Our grief and anger have translated into a determination to do everything we can to keep Europe safe. I am proud of the results of the EPP Group in the European Parliament to boost the fight against terrorism. We have worked hard to speed up efforts on common EU rules on better information about passengers travelling to and from the EU (PNR), systematic checks on external borders, strategies against radicalisation, definition of terrorism, prevention of terrorism financing and better support for victims of terrorism.

These achievements not only show that the EPP Group delivers on its priorities, but will continue to address people’s security concerns in Europe. We will not cease in our efforts until we secure a safer Europe”, added Metsola.

“We still need Member States to cooperate more when it comes to information exchange and for them to make full use of modern security and intelligence equipment. Prevention and persecution of criminal behaviour must be made more efficient by having a fully functional EU criminal records system in place. At the same time, it is essential that we have a coordinated approach to stop the trafficking of illegal firearms so often used during terrorist attacks in Europe.

The EU is not alone in its fight. Terrorism is a global threat and requires a global response. Cooperation with third countries in anti-terrorist measures needs to remain on the EU’s agenda. There is a lot of work ahead of us. Nothing is of a higher priority than a safe Europe. We will continue to deliver”, concluded the MEP.